greene county comprehensive economic development plan

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Greene County Comprehensive Economic

Development Plan

12. Action / Implementation Plan

Introduction Based primarily on the goals and objectives, the Action Plan is designed to answer the question, “How do we get there?” It describes the recommended actions that will allow Greene County and its partners to achieve identified goals and objectives and turn the potential for improvement (i.e., as expressed in the vision statement) into reality. The Action Plan also assigns responsibility, resources, and time frames and establishes priorities for implementation. In this document, the term “actions” is used to refer to the strategies, activities, projects, and programs recommended in the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan. On the following page is an explanation of the categories used in describing each of the recommended actions as well as abbreviations of referenced agencies and organizations.

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Explanation of Categories Strategy/Action Strategy, action, or initiative description

Time Frame Ongoing (already in place and/or continuing); Short-Term (less than 2 years); Mid-Term (2-5 years); or Long-Term (5 years or more).

Goal-Objective Reference to the number of the goal and objective with which the strategy, action, or initiative is aligned.

Region Countywide, or focused on one or more subregions: Historic River Towns, Valley Towns, or Mountaintop Towns.

Responsible Lead Agency Agency (or agencies) to be charged with implementation. Potential Public or Private Partners

Public and/or private partners, agencies, etc. to be involved or to assist with implementation.

Funding Sources Potential sources of funding for implementation, including local, state, federal, private, foundations, etc.

Comments Where applicable, additional issues or explanation.

Lead Agency, Partners, and Funding Source Abbreviations CGCC Columbia Greene Community College CWC Catskill Watershed Corporation ESDC Empire State Development Corporation GC CCE Greene County Cornell Cooperative Extension GCCC Greene County Chamber of Commerce GCDPED Greene County Department of Planning & Economic Development GCIDA Greene County Industrial Development Agency GCR&HA Greene County Resort & Hospitality Association GCSWCD Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District GCTP Greene County Tourism Promotions Department GLT Greene Land Trust Municipalities Towns and Villages in Greene County NYC DEP New York City Department of Environmental Protection NYS DEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation NYS DHCR New York State Division of Housing & Community Renewal NYS DOL New York State Department of Labor NYS DOS New York State Department of State NYS DOT New York State Department of Transportation NYSED New York State Education Department NYS OPRHP New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation USDOLETA U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration WIB Workforce Investment Board (Columbia-Greene) WIO Workforce Investment Office (Columbia-Greene)

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ACTIONS: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & TARGET INDUSTRY ATTRACTION Action 1.1 Continue to implement a formal Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program, with site visits on an annual basis. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1a Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources Comments: As the number of companies grows, consider assigning staff according to specific target industry sectors.

Action 1.2 Provide technical assistance to assist businesses in addressing environmental or natural resource issues related to business development or expansion. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1a, 1b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCSWCD GCDPED Funding Source(s): Greene County Legislature

Action 1.3 Continue to work with funding institutions and banks to develop financing and loan packages for new and existing businesses within the County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1a, 1b, 1d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Realtors, banks Funding Source(s): Banks; existing department and agency resources

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Action 1.4 Provide technical assistance, including access to specialized consultants, to existing businesses for assistance in all aspects of business development: financial, management, marketing, etc. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1a, 1d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center, WIB, CGCC,

BOCES/Questar Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources; Governor's Office for Small Cities

Action 1.5 Develop a Greene Ambassador Program for the business community by providing outreach, developing leadership skills, and supporting a positive image of Greene County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1a, 1d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCCC Local businesses, local school districts, local chambers of

commerce, GCR&HA Funding Source(s): In-kind

Action 1.6 Work with the newly formed Hudson Valley Agri-Business Development Corporation to support, enhance and promote sustainable agricultural enterprises. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 1a, 1d, 1f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GC CCE, , GCSWCD, Greene County Agriculture and Farmland

Protection Board, Columbia Hudson Partnership, American Farmland Trust, adjacent Hudson Valley counties

Funding Source(s): None required until specific projects are identified Comments: The new corporation is charged with attracting new agri-businesses and helping existing farmers and agriculture-related businesses thrive. Currently funded by Columbia and Orange Counties, the organization may eventually grow to include other Hudson Valley counties.

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Action 1.7 Consider adding local farms to the BR&E visitation program and working with other partners, such as Cornell Cooperative Extension, to assist with agri-business retention and expansion efforts. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 1a, 1d, 1f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GC CCE, GCSWCD, Greene County Agriculture and Farmland

Protection Board, American Farmland Trust, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 1.8 Conduct target attraction marketing to medical/health care providers. Seek out state incentives and programs to attract new health care facilities, especially in the mountaintop communities. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 1a, 1d, 5a Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA Funding Source(s): ESDC, Governor’s Office for Small Cities

Action 1.9 Conduct target attraction marketing to the identified strategic and targeted industries specified in the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA GCDPED, Regional economic development partners, municipalities Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

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Action 1.10 Publish a summary of loans and incentives for target industries in a formal brochure. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 1b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 1.11 Encourage mixed-use development in appropriate locations. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities Funding Source(s): None required

Action 1.12 Continue to partner with CEG, HVEDC, and other regional organizations to promote business development services. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1b, 1c, 1e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA GCDPED, Center for Economic Growth, Hudson Valley Economic

Development Corporation, NYSEG, Central Hudson, ESDC, Verizon, CWC, CSX, et al

Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, utility partners

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Action 1.13 Work with local municipalities on action-specific business development projects. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1b, 1c, 1e Initially, Mountaintop and

Valley Towns Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA Municipalities, GCSWCD Funding Source(s): None required until specific projects are identified

Action 1.14 Work with local municipalities to site small business parks that fit in appropriately with the character of each community, particularly in the mountaintop communities. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 1b, 1c, 1e, 6b, 6c Initially, Mountaintop and

Valley Towns Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA, GCDPED Municipalities Funding Source(s): ESDC, Governor's Office for Small Cities; municipal bonding

Action 1.15 Explore the potential for a business incubator, such as a food processing incubator / shared community kitchen facility to provide space, equipment and training for prospective entrepreneurs who have an idea for a product but lack the means of getting it to market. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 1b, 1d, 1f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA Municipalities, GCSWCD, GLT, GC CCE Funding Source(s): TBD Comments: The Greene Land Trust is interested in acquiring a farm and subdividing it for communal use (similar to the Intervale in Burlington). Catskill's Comprehensive Plan also presents the concept of a food incubator.

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Action 1.16 Develop specific implementation and financial policies for Greene County attraction and incentive programs to new and existing businesses in the County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 1c, 1f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA, GCDPED GC Legislature Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 1.17 Continue to enhance, improve and implement the County's Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP). Ensure a process of continuous improvement through ongoing staff training, the study of best practices and client feedback (survey and focus group discussions). Make programmatic changes and establish a system for tracking business results to be used for benchmarking. Strive to make the Greene County MAP a national model. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GC Legislature Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, Governor's Office for Small Cities

Action 1.18 Provide networking opportunities to support entrepreneurship and small business growth. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCCC Chambers of Commerce Funding Source(s): None required

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Action 1.19 Provide money saving opportunities (such as the Energy Alliance, health insurance, member-to-member discounts, etc.) to support entrepreneurship and small business growth. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCCC Chambers of Commerce Funding Source(s): GCCC budget

Action 1.20 Seek partnerships with local businesses to redevelop underutilized or vacant buildings. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term to Mid-Term 1d, 4e Countywide, with specific

targets by subregion Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA, GCDPED Local businesses, realtors Funding Source(s): Governor’s Office for Small Cities; private

Action 1.21 Work with other chambers on projects that foster economic growth in the Hudson Valley Region (such as the Buy Local Expo). Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 1e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCCC Chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): None required until specific projects are identified

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Action 1.22 Continue to provide financial incentives and technical assistance to businesses for expansion of facilities and employment. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing All Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA ESDC, Governor's Office for Small Cities, CWC, private sector Funding Source(s): Existing Quantum Fund, Microenterprise Assistance Program, and Tourism Enhancement Program; IDA bonds; Governor's Office for Small Cities and other state programs

CROSS-REFERENCED ACTIONS Inventory sites and buildings for prospect calls, especially for small businesses. Goal-Objective(s): 6b, 6c, 1b Cross-Referenced With: INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT Continue County initiatives to develop and promote regional "destination retail" facilities and downtown main street shopping districts consistent with community needs and desires. Goal-Objective(s): 5d, 2b, 2g, 1b Cross-Referenced With: QUALITY OF LIFE Develop a "Buy Local" initiative to enhance support for Greene County farms and other locally-owned businesses and increase awareness of the benefits of purchasing local products. Goal-Objective(s): 5d, 1d, 1f, 4f Cross-Referenced With: QUALITY OF LIFE

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ACTIONS: TOURISM Action 2.1 Develop guidelines for the creation of unique, yet uniform signage to designate tourism areas throughout the County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2a Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCTP Municipalities, Chambers, GCTP, NYS DOT (state routes), NYS

DEC (Catskill Park), NYC DEP (NYC watershed) Funding Source(s): County budget, municipalities Comments: May include Greene County gateway signs, sign directories, etc. Signage guidelines will need to be adopted at the municipal level; see Land Use actions. Will need to work with the NYS Department of Transportation on state routes.

Action 2.2 Develop more things to do to complement and/or as an alternative to skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2a, 2b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP Municipalities, private sector, not-for-profit organizations,

chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, I Love NY Matching Fund Program, municipalities, private, not-for-profit Comments: Could encompass diverse activities depending on the season: wildlife and plant walks, live music, history-themed tours, eco-tourism, etc. See also Action 2.7.

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Action 2.3 Consider additional set-aside of Main Street Revitalization Program funds for enhancing important community gateways. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2a, 2b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities, property owners, chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): Main Street Revitalization Program, municipalities, private and in-kind Comments: Visitors’ first impressions are important.

Action 2.4 Continue reinvestment in Main Street areas and village centers. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 2a, 2b, 2g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED municipalities, property owners, chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): Existing Main Street Revitalization Program, municipalities, private

Action 2.5 Develop large-scale tourism destination facilities for use by both visitors and residents and as amenities for economic development attraction (this could include but is not limited to year-round indoor and outdoor multi-use recreational facilities, YMCA, performing arts center, sports complex, motorsports, water parks, etc.). Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing/Short-Term 2a, 2b, 5c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA Investors and business owners, foundations, not-for-profits Funding Source(s): Private, with potential for funding assistance through existing County resources such as the Quantum Fund, Governor’s Office for Small Cities.

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Action 2.6 Continue to conduct familiarization tours and work with travel writers to improve the image of "The Catskills" and what's happening in Greene County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 2a, 2c, 2h Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP, GCDPED Private sector where necessary Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 2.7 Develop a program to generate a schedule of activities that can be published on a monthly basis in an easily-reproducible format and distributed to lodging venues. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2a, 2d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP Chambers of commerce, not-for-profit organizations, Greene

County Historical Society, GCSWCD, GC CCE, others Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, GC Legislature, others TBD Comments: It is important to have a central schedule that visitors can check to see what may be going on that is of interest to them. If organizations could commit to hosting 2-3 events or activities per month, the County could also develop an impressive schedule with more things to do. See also Action 2.2.

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Action 2.8 Increase tourism promotion for special events in the spring and fall to boost lodging occupancy in the off-season/shoulder season. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2a, 2f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP Private sector, not-for-profit organizations, chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, I Love NY Matching Fund Program, municipalities, private, not-for-profit Comments: Consider developing an annual event that is unique to Greene County, perhaps a connection with area history, culture, and/or agriculture. Fall events could include Harvest Festivals and corn mazes.

Action 2.9 Enhance and promote opportunities for agri-tourism, eco-tourism, and nature-based tourism. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 2a, 2f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP GCDPED, GC CCE, municipalities, private sector, chambers of

commerce and business organizations, Greene County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, American Farmland Trust, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, et al


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Action 2.10 Enhance visibility of and/or access to natural resources for outdoor recreation, including walking, birding, fishing, and other activities, particularly outside the Catskill Forest Preserve. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 5a, 5c Historic River Towns, Valley

Towns Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP, GCDPED GLT, GCSWCD, Scenic Hudson, NYS DEC, municipalities, others Funding Source(s): NYS Environmental Protection Fund, GCIDA [for grasslands adjacent to business parks], private, not-for-profit Comments: Need to identify and target specific sites for acquisition and/or easements, interpretive signage, trail development, etc.

Action 2.11 Attract prospective and existing entrepreneurs to establish and operate tourism-related businesses, including lodging facilities. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA, GCTP, GCR&HA, private sector, chambers of commerce

and business organizations Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, chambers of commerce and business organizations Comments: Primarily a marketing effort to attract qualified entrepreneurs and encourage new investment

Action 2.12 Continue reinvestment in lodging facilities and tourist attractions. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 2b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA, private sector Funding Source(s): Existing Tourism Enhancement Program, IDA incentives, private

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Action 2.13 Develop a plan to get every lodging facility in the County connected via e-mail and a website. Encourage lodging facilities to orient their web sites and marketing to best match the type of customers they are trying to attract. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2b, 2c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP, GCDPED GCR&HA, private sector, chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): Existing County Promotion of Industry budget, existing Tourism Enhancement Program; private Comments: GCDPED has conducted seminars on e-marketing to engage the lodging industry. Consider an E-Commerce Grant Program to assist businesses with the cost of establishing or improving a website.

Action 2.14 Utilize e-mail marketing to visitors to build relationships and encourage repeat visitation. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2b, 2c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP Private sector Funding Source(s): Minimal investment required; mostly in-kind Comments: The advent of Internet-based e-mail marketing services such as Constant Contact, SubscriberMail, and PatronMail (to name a few examples) has made the creation of professional e-mail newsletters and announcements easy and relatively inexpensive. Several organizations in Greene County already use e-mail to market themselves; others should be encouraged to do so.

Action 2.15 Conduct a market feasibility study to determine the number, size, and location of needed conference facilities in Greene County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2b, 2e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA, Private sector Funding Source(s): Promotion of Industry Funds, private; possibly a legislative member item (estimated $50,000-$100,000 study)

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Action 2.16 Attract appropriately scaled and designed hotels to accommodate large groups, meetings, and bus tours, especially on the mountaintop. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2b, 2e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, private Comments: Could be an outcome of the conference center feasibility study described above

Action 2.17 Develop and enhance active bicycle and pedestrian activities and publicize the existing activities to residents and tourists. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2b, 2f, 5c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: Rails to Trail volunteers Municipalities, GCDPED, GCTP Funding Source(s): NYS Environmental Protection Fund, other grants

Action 2.18 Increase the number of tourism-related retail shops and restaurants, particularly on the Mountaintop. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2b, 2g Mountaintop Towns Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA, GCTP, private sector, chambers of commerce and business

organizations Funding Source(s): Existing County Promotion of Industry/Business Attraction Initiative, chambers of commerce and business organizations; possibly Governor's Office for Small Cities Comments: There is a need to develop a critical mass of retail amenities and services to satisfy visitor demand. Retail facilities targeted to tourists should be small-scale and consistent with the character of Greene County’s “Main Streets” and village centers. Marketing for retail recruitment is currently conducted on a limited basis via the Business Attraction Initiative, but could be expanded.

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Action 2.19 Develop partnerships with educational institutions to provide technical support and formal training to tourism-related retail and service businesses. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2b, 2g, 3a, 3e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, WIO, CGCC GCTP, private sector Funding Source(s): Workforce Investment Act resources with contributions from County Comments: Consider the feasibility of developing a formal partnership with an institution such as Cornell University because of its expertise in the areas of culinary and accommodations development and management. Could also provide training modeled after the Finger Lakes Tourism Training program.

Action 2.20 Pursue new ethnic and international markets more aggressively. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Long-Term 2b, 2h Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP, GCDPED GCR&HA, private sector Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources; existing County Promotion of Industry budget for technical assistance and training workshops for owners of lodging facilities and other tourism-related businesses

Action 2.21 Implement an entry-level tourism workforce training program to increase the skill level of potential workers for the region's tourism industry. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2b, 3e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: WIO, CGCC GCDPED Funding Source(s): Workforce Investment Act

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Action 2.22 Maintain a vibrant and interactive Greene County Tourism website to increase the number of "hits" on the website from search engines. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP GC IT, Data Processing Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 2.23 Continue to cultivate the arts, historic and cultural resources in Greene County, and encourage appropriate connections with large cultural venues. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP Private sector, not-for-profit organizations (e.g., Catskill Mountain

Foundation, historical societies), chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, I Love NY Matching Fund Program, municipalities, private, not-for-profit; grants for specific initiatives

Action 2.24 Consider reviving the Rip Van Winkle persona as part of Greene County's branding efforts. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP, GCDPED TBD Funding Source(s): TBD Comments: Could be part of an overall brand and identity development effort

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Action 2.25 Designate additional themed "trails" or self-guided tours to introduce visitors to key natural, historic, and/or cultural assets of Greene County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Long-Term 2d, 2e, 2f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP Municipalities, private sector, not-for-profit organizations,

chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): Municipalities, private, not-for-profit; may be grant funding available (e.g., NYS Council on the Arts)

Action 2.26 Encourage hotels and restaurants to incorporate elements of Greene County's cultural heritage, local folklore, etc. in their décor, on menus, etc. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2d, 2h Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP, GCCC GCR&HA, private sector, chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): None required Comments: Supports Greene County’s image/identity and possibly branding in the future.

Action 2.27 Add sales staff to the Greene County Tourism Promotion Department to cultivate the meetings and conferences market and promote motorcoach tour packages. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GC Legislature GCTP Funding Source(s): County budget

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Action 2.28 Investigate the viability of a shuttle service linking the ski areas, hotels, and village centers in Hunter, Tannersville, and Windham during the ski season. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2g Mountaintop Towns Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: Ski areas, local foundations Municipalities, chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): TBD Comments: May need to wait until greater critical mass is established in each community

Action 2.29 Contract with an independent company to establish standard metrics/benchmarks to evaluate tourism and summarize the economic impact of the tourism industry on a regular basis. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 2i Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP, GCDPED Private sector Funding Source(s): County budget

Action 2.30 Increase capacity of County resources dedicated to tourism and Main Street-related business attraction and development. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term All Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GC Legislature, GCTP Funding Source(s): County budget

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Action 2.31 Establish an ongoing Tourism Advisory Committee appointed by the Legislature to regularly review the progress of tourism planning and initiatives. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term All Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP, GC Legislature, GCDPED

GCR&HA, municipalities, private sector; possibly chambers of commerce and business organizations

Funding Source(s): None required except in-kind

Action 2.32 Recognizing that labor shortages will intensify in certain industries, partner with local businesses to facilitate the employment of foreign-born workers to Greene County in support of tourism and emerging technologies. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 2b, 3c, 3e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: Local businesses GCDPED, WIO, NYS DOL Funding Source(s): None required Comments: The County cannot rely on graduates from area high schools to meet all of its future labor needs, as the number of graduates is shrinking. While the County will continue to assist local residents who want to work, industries such as tourism often need to bring in students from overseas to fill seasonal positions. Agriculture, forestry, and construction have also experienced labor shortages and will likely continue to need migrant workers.

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CROSS-REFERENCED ACTIONS

Continue County initiatives to develop and promote regional "destination retail" facilities and downtown main street shopping districts consistent with community needs and desires. Goal-Objective(s): 5d, 2b, 2g, 1b Cross-Referenced With: QUALITY OF LIFE Develop recreational trail systems that connect various communities and existing trails, such as the Rip Van Winkle Golf Trail, Art Trail, greenways, scenic byways, snowmobile trails, etc. Goal-Objective(s): 5c, 2b, 2f Cross-Referenced With: QUALITY OF LIFE

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ACTIONS: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Action 3.1 Continue to offer career expos and job fairs to provide information about career development opportunities and link job seekers with local businesses. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 3a, 3b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: WIO, local school districts Local businesses, chambers of commerce and business

organizations Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 3.2 Assess the funding requirements needed by Columbia-Greene Community College to develop additional courses to help meet the workforce needs of Greene County target industries. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 3a, 3b, 3c, 3f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: WIB, CGCC GCDPED, GCIDA, WIO, GCIDA, GC Legislature Funding Source(s): GC Legislature, NYS DOL, USDOLETA

Action 3.3 Increase experiential learning opportunities, particularly in math, science, and technology, to introduce high school students to various careers and strengthen the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term/Long-Term 3a, 3c, 3f, 5b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: Local school districts GCIDA, GCDPED, WIO, BOCES, local businesses Funding Source(s): GC Legislature, NYSED, NYS DOL, USDOLETA, local school districts

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Action 3.4 Develop career exploration and internship programs to expose high school students to targeted industries in Greene County and provide them with "real-world" work experience at local businesses. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 3a, 3c, 3f, 5b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: Local school districts Local businesses, WIO, CGCC, GCDPED, GCIDA Funding Source(s): Varies

Action 3.5 Enhance communication about career opportunities and workforce trends in the region to educators and students. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 3a, 3c, 3f, 5b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA, local school districts

Local businesses, chambers of commerce and business organizations, WIO


Action 3.6 Multiply outreach efforts of the Columbia-Greene Community College and the WIO by informing existing and incoming businesses regarding the availability of on-demand training and state grants for this purpose. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 3b, 3f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: WIB, WIO GCDPED, GCIDA Funding Source(s): NYS DOL, USDOLETA

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Action 3.7 Determine the feasibility of developing a certificate program for non-college-bound youth to learn about the employer/employee relationship, workplace expectations, etc. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 3b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: WIO, CGCC Local businesses, possibly BOCES Funding Source(s): NYS DOL, USDOLETA Comments: Could be subsidized or supported by employers that agree to hire the students at above the minimum wage once they are certified. Envisioned as a short-term, perhaps two-week, program at CGCC to enhance the employability of students not continuing on to college.

Action 3.8 Increase the number of Chamber members that participate in the Business Employment Standards Transition (B.E.S.T.) program. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 3b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCCC GCDPED, local school districts, Columbia Hudson Partnership Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources (a part-time coordinator operates this program with $5,000 contributions from each county)

Action 3.9 Develop a workforce development partnership network (Workforce Greene) with Questar, WIB, local school districts, and the SBA to create a focus on workforce development. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing/Short-Term 3b, 3c Countywide, with regional

organizations Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA, WIO WIB,CGCC, BOCES, NYS DOL, GCIDA, local school districts Funding Source(s): None required except in-kind

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Action 3.10 Improve coordination in responding to the workforce-related issues of existing and new businesses. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 3b, 3c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA, GCCC WIB, WIO, CGCC, BOCES, NYS DOL Funding Source(s): None required except in-kind Comments: GCDPED often takes the lead in meeting with companies and making referrals to resources for workforce training or recruitment; however, GCIDA and GCCC also have a role to play. Coordination should be conducted in the context of the GreeneBusiness Partnership so appropriate referrals can be made and follow-up can occur.

Action 3.11 Conduct an "Emerging Technology Careers Day" to provide opportunities for students to learn about the types of jobs expected to be in demand after high school and college. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 3b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: Local school districts, CGCC GCIDA Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources.

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Recognizing that labor shortages will intensify in certain industries, partner with local businesses to facilitate the employment of foreign-born workers to Greene County in support of tourism and emerging technologies. Goal-Objective(s): 2b, 3c, 3e Cross-Referenced With: TOURISM Develop partnerships with educational institutions to provide technical support and formal training to tourism-related retail and service businesses. Goal-Objective(s): 2b, 2g, 3a, 3e Cross-Referenced With: TOURISM Implement an entry-level tourism workforce training program to increase the skill level of potential workers for the region's tourism industry. Goal-Objective(s): 2b, 3e Cross-Referenced With: TOURISM

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ACTIONS: LAND USE AND REGIONAL PLANNING Action 4.1 Adopt a Greenway Compact. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 4a Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GC Legislature GCDPED, NYS Greenway Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, Greenway grants.

Action 4.2 Protect and promote historic districts and structures. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4a Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED NYS OPRHP, GCTP, GCIDA, Greene County Historical Society,

individual historic sites Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 4.3 Develop a toolbox series on planning topics, model zoning ordinances, and regulatory tools that promote sound development principles. A series of workshops and seminars should be conducted regularly to educate local government representatives regarding these topics. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4a, 4c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED NYS DOS, NYS DEC, NYS OPRHP, NYS DHCR, Greenway

Communities Council, municipalities Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources; NYS DOS-Quality Communities, Governor's Office for Small Cities, Heritage Areas Program

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Action 4.4 Assist local municipalities with training opportunities for municipal planning and zoning officials. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4a, 4c, 4h Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCSWCD, GCCC, GC CCE, GCLT Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources; NYS DOS Comments: Part of continuing education and training for municipalities.

Action 4.5 Undertake a countywide cost of community services study to frame local zoning and planning issues and educate municipalities about the comparative fiscal implications of residential, commercial, and agricultural development. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 4a, 4h Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources Comments: A cost of community services study is a type of fiscal impact analysis, used to determine the net fiscal contribution of existing local land uses by comparing the cost of providing municipal services, including education, with revenues. Although it essentially represents a “snapshot in time” and does not predict future costs or revenues, a cost of community services can help municipal officials make more informed land use and policy decisions.

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Action 4.6 Encourage the incorporation of conservation subdivision principles into subdivision review. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4a, 4b, 4c, 4g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities, GCSWCD, GCLT Funding Source(s): CWC Local Technical Assistance Grants, NYS DOS Planning Grants (NYC Watershed), Greenway

Action 4.7 Assist local municipalities in developing and updating sign, site plan, subdivision, and zoning laws with specific development standards and guidelines. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4a, 4c, 4e, 4g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources Comments: Can provide templates and resource materials, but it is up to each municipality to decide whether or not to adopt standards and guidelines.

Action 4.8 Encourage municipalities to incorporate sound development principles when reviewing development proposals: e.g., mixed use development, compact infill development in villages and hamlets, walkable communities, conservation subdivision design, performance standards, design guidelines, architectural and historic guidelines, etc. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4a, 4c, 4g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCPDED, GCIDA Municipalities Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources Comments: Will provide templates, but it is up to each municipality to decide whether or not to adopt standards and guidelines.

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Action 4.9 Encourage towns and villages to adopt comprehensive plans, land use regulations, including cost of services studies, fiscal impact analysis, and build-out models to foster sound development principles. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4a, 4c, 4h Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCPDED Municipalities Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources; GCIDA

Action 4.10 Assist towns and villages to prepare Downtown Development Plans that would identify downtown commercial and mixed use projects desired by each community. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 4a, 4f, 5d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCPDED Municipalities Funding Source(s): NYS Quality Communities; CDBG Grants; Greenway Grants; GC MSRP Funds, NY Main Street

Action 4.11 Create and maintain a natural resources inventory for Greene County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4a, 4g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCSWCD, GC CCE, municipalities Funding Source(s): TBD

Action 4.12 Authorize Greene County Planning Board to review subdivisions under GML 239. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 4c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GC Legislature GCDPED Funding Source(s): None required

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Action 4.13 Undertake a countywide comprehensive plan that would gather input from individual municipalities and take into consideration existing local comprehensive plans and regulatory tools to implement sound development principles. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 4b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED NYS DOS, NYS OPRHP, GCIDA Funding Source(s): NYS DOS-Quality Communities, Governor's Office for Small Cities, Heritage Areas Program

Action 4.14 Encourage business friendly development review practices including requirements and development standards that are clear and uniformly enforced; use of clearly written forms and instructions; streamlined review process for small-scale development; and more thorough, comprehensive review of larger projects. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED NYS DOS, NYS OPRHP Funding Source(s): NYS DOS, NYS Quality Communities

Action 4.15 Adopt clear development review policies for the Greene County Planning Board's review of projects under GML 239. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 4c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GC Legislature GCDPED, GCPB Funding Source(s): None required

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Action 4.16 Create and maintain an accurate list of cultural, historical and recreation sites in Greene County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 4d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities, GCTP, Greene County Historical Society Funding Source(s): NYS OPRHP

Action 4.17 Maintain and enhance the County "Greene & Clean" initiative to improve the image and appearance of blighted travel corridors. Initiative could include an assessment of existing garbage, junk car and other ordinances; model ordinances could be provided to communities to assist in the revision or adoption of new codes. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 4e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCCC GCDPED, GC CCE “First Impressions” Program Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 4.18 Encourage the development of websites for all towns and villages in Greene County with contact information, land use regulations, municipal forms, and business attraction materials and information. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 4d, 4e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources; GCIDA

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Action 4.19 Develop a funding formula for a planning circuit rider program providing a low cost mechanism for professional planning services. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Long-Term 4e, 4g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GC Legislature Funding Source(s): NYS DOS, NYS Quality Communities; Existing department and agency resources

Action 4.20 Promote and develop parks and recreational facilities on property owned by NYC DEP. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 4e, 4g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: NYC DEP, GCTP GCSWCD, GCLT, municipalities, local sporting organizations Funding Source(s): CWC Local Technical Assistance Program, NYS DOS Planning Grants, NYC DEP Stream Management Plan implementation funding, NYS DEC grants, other grants Comments: Utilization of NYC DEP lands for enhanced recreational access is a complicated issue. The Mountaintop Recreation Master Plan being developed by the GCSWCD will specifically address these issues and make detailed recommendations.

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Action 4.21 Work with existing agencies and organizations to develop open space strategies and conservation standards to be met by new development projects. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 4g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities, GCSWCD, GCLT, others Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources, various grant sources Comments: There are many benefits to be achieved from a balanced approach that allows for community growth and development while at the same time setting aggressive standards or requirements for open space conservation. In addition to the obvious benefits related to environmental permitting, consideration of open space has a positive impact on the local tax base.

Action 4.22 Identify, promote and develop future leaders (Leadership Greene) in Greene County to serve on local and County planning boards. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 4h Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCCC Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

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Develop a "Buy Local" initiative to enhance support for Greene County farms and other locally-owned businesses and increase awareness of the benefits of purchasing local products. Goal-Objective(s): 5d, 1d, 1f, 4f Cross-Referenced With: QUALITY OF LIFE Seek partnerships with local businesses to redevelop underutilized or vacant buildings. Goal-Objective(s): 1d, 4e Cross-Referenced With: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT In partnership with local municipalities, conduct an assessment of short- and long-term infrastructure needs, complete a detailed evaluation of current capacity and condition, and develop a long range plan to address infrastructure upgrade, replacement or expansion needs. Goal-Objective(s): 6d, 4h Cross-Referenced With: INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT Maintain an inventory of vacant commercial and industrial buildings and sites in the County's existing and future business parks. Goal-Objective(s): 6c, 4f, 4g Cross-Referenced With: INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT Maintain an inventory of vacant commercial and industrial buildings in downtown and Main Street areas, outside the business parks, and promote opportunities for reuse and redevelopment. Goal-Objective(s): 6c, 4f, 4g Cross-Referenced With: INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT Develop a technical assistance based program that would utilize existing agencies to help communities with the development of smaller business parks by addressing wetland and other natural resource issues, especially with regard to SEQRA and permitting. Goal-Objective(s): 6b, 6c, 6d, 4g Cross-Referenced With: INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT

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ACTIONS: QUALITY OF LIFE Action 5.1 Develop a County-wide recreation plan – building from the Mountaintop communities' open space plan led by GCSWCD – that considers the recreational facilities and amenities necessary to support an improved quality of life for residents and additional attractions for visitors. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 5c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCSWCD GCDPED, GC CCE, others Funding Source(s): Greenway, other grant sources Comments: Approximately 40% of the County’s land area will be covered by the already funded Mountaintop plan, to be completed in next 18 months. Funds will only be needed to expand this activity to the remainder of Greene County.

Action 5.2 Develop recreational trail systems that connect various communities and existing trails, such as the Rip Van Winkle Golf Trail, Art Trail, greenways, scenic byways, snowmobile trails, etc. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 5c, 2b, 2f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCTP GCDPED, GCSWCD, GC CCE, others Funding Source(s): Greenway, NYSDOT, other grant sources

Action 5.3 Conduct a feasibility study for a sports complex in the County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 5c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA Funding Source(s): Existing promotion of industry and economic development funds

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Action 5.4 Promote community recreational enhancements and open space set-asides as part of housing development projects. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 5c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities as part of land use regulations, GCSWCD, GLT,

others Funding Source(s): Various grant sources, development impact fees

Action 5.5 Continue County initiatives to recruit and develop appropriately-sized retail, restaurant, and service establishments consistent with community needs and desires. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 5d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA Municipalities, local businesses, chambers of commerce Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 5.6 Develop regional, tourist and retail destination facilities to reduce retail sales leakage and enhance sales tax revenues. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 5d, 5g Countywide, appropriately

scaled on the Mountaintop Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA, municipalities ESDC Funding Source(s): ESDC, Governor's Office for Small Cities, Investigate useage of County budget (bonding for infrastructure development

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Action 5.7 Continue County initiatives to develop and promote regional "destination retail" facilities and downtown main street shopping districts consistent with community needs and desires. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 5d, 5g, 2b, 2g, 1b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA Municipalities Funding Source(s): ESDC, Governor's Office for Small Cities, private

Action 5.8 Develop a "Buy Local" initiative to enhance support for Greene County farms and other locally-owned businesses and increase awareness of the benefits of purchasing local products. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 5d, 1d, 1f, 4f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCCC, GCDPED Chambers of commerce, local businesses, GC CCE Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources Comments: There are numerous examples of Buy Local campaigns nationwide. Components often include public education, cooperative advertising, marketing (use of a logo), special events, and community participation through the use of a vehicle such as "Ithaca Dollars." Buy Local helps locally-owned, independent businesses and farmers compete, builds community pride, and enhances economic prosperity. It also supports entrepreneurship and downtown commercial revitalization.

Action 5.9 Update and expand on the County's 1990 report on seasonal homeowners to better understand the impact of part-time residents on the local economy, assess retail needs, and identify potential business opportunities. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term/Long-Term 5d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Funding Source(s): NYS Grant Programs

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Action 5.10 Conduct a countywide affordable housing study and work with developers and municipalities to site affordable projects. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 5e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities, developers, not-for-profits Funding Source(s): Governor's Office for Small Cities, GC Legislature.

Action 5.11 Develop incentive programs to encourage the construction and rehabilitation of affordable, subsidized, and below-market housing. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 5e Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, municipalities NYS DHCR, Governor's Office for Small Cities, not-for-profit

housing organizations Funding Source(s): NYS DHCR, Governor's Office for Small Cities Comments: Could be an outcome of the previous action listed.

Action 5.12 Promote the development of new affordable housing in appropriate locations, particularly in municipalities with sufficient infrastructure capacity, based on community needs and desires as outlined in recently adopted comprehensive plans. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 5e, 5f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities as part of land use regulations Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency funds

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Action 5.13 Support the collaborative efforts of municipalities, not-for-profit agencies, property owners, developers, and state agencies to renovate older structures and utilize the upper floors of downtown buildings for multi-family housing. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 5e, 5f Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED NYS DHCR, Governor's Office for Small Cities, not-for-profit

housing organizations, developers, property owners Funding Source(s): County budget, NYS DHCR, Governor's Office for Small Cities, private

Action 5.14 Increase social, cultural and recreational activities and networking opportunities for young adults (ages 18-34) to encourage them to stay in or relocate to Greene County. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing All Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GC Youth Bureau Local community centers Funding Source(s): TBD

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Conduct target attraction marketing to medical/health care providers. Seek out state incentives and programs to attract new health care facilities, especially in the Mountaintop communities. Goal-Objective(s): 1a, 1d, 5a Cross-Referenced With: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Develop and enhance active bicycle and pedestrian activities and publicize the existing activities to residents and tourists. Goal-Objective(s): 2b, 2f, 5c Cross-Referenced With: TOURISM Develop large-scale tourism destination facilities for use by both visitors and residents and as amenities for economic development attraction (this could include but is not limited to year-round indoor and outdoor multi-use recreational facilities, YMCA, performing arts center, sports complex, motorsports, water parks, etc.). Goal-Objective(s): 2a, 2b, 5c Cross-Referenced With: TOURISM Enhance visibility of and/or access to natural resources for outdoor recreation, including walking, birding, fishing, and other activities, particularly outside the Catskill Forest Preserve. Goal-Objective(s): 2a, 5c Cross-Referenced With: TOURISM Increase experiential learning opportunities, particularly in math, science, and technology, to introduce high school students to various careers and strengthen the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Goal-Objective(s): 3a, 3c, 3f, 5b Cross-Referenced With: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Develop career exploration and internship programs to expose high school students to targeted industries in Greene County and provide them with "real-world" work experience at local businesses. Goal-Objective(s): 3a, 3c, 3f, 5b Cross-Referenced With: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Enhance communication about career opportunities and workforce trends in the region to educators and students. Goal-Objective(s): 3a, 3c, 3f, 5b Cross-Referenced With: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Assist towns and villages to prepare “Downtown Development Plans" that would identify downtown commercial and mixed use projects desired by each community. Goal-Objective(s): 4a, 4f, 5d Cross-Referenced With: LAND USE AND REGIONAL PLANNING

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CROSS-REFERENCED ACTIONS Establish wireless access in all downtown commercial districts. Install signage at village entry points to signify that wireless access is available (e.g., a "Greene Wired Access Point" sign). Goal-Objective(s): 7b, 5g Cross-Referenced With: TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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ACTIONS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT Action 6.1 Strengthen working relationships with organizations such as Greene Land Trust which can help facilitate natural resource impact mitigation at the local level. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 6a, 6b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA, GCSWCD GLT, GCDPED Funding Source(s): GC Legislature, grants, donations, mitigation fees, other sources Comments: The GCIDA and GCSWCD have demonstrated the benefits of having a strong, proactive relationship with the non-profit Greene Land Trust to meet various mitigation requirements on previous business parks. Greene County should continue to strengthen and promote this relationship.

Action 6.2 Seek state funding including Build-Now NY funds to continue to pursue "shovel-ready" status for the future Athens Industrial Park, Catskill Industrial Park, and other potential locations. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 6a Historic River Towns Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA GCSWCD, GCDPED, municipalities, NYS DOS Funding Source(s): Build-Now NY, Restore NY, NYS DOT grants, US EDA

Action 6.3 Seek funding to pursue planning of additional sites for industrial development in alignment with the Empire Zones using adopted criteria . Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 6b Historic River Towns and Valley

Towns Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA GCDPED, Municipalities, ESDC Funding Source(s): Build-Now NY, Restore NY, NYS DOT grants, US EDA

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Action 6.4 Identify potential reuse alternatives for remediated brownfield sites and prepare them for future redevelopment (through, for example, demolition of existing structures). Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term/Long-Term 6b Historic River Towns and Valley

Towns Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA Municipalities, NYS DEC, property owners Funding Source(s): NYS Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program

Action 6.5 Inventory sites and buildings for prospect calls, especially for small businesses. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 6b, 6c, 1b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA within business parks, GCDPED outside them

Realtors


Action 6.6 Develop a technical assistance based program that would utilize existing agencies to help communities with the development of smaller business parks by addressing wetland and other natural resource issues, especially with regard to SEQRA and permitting. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 6b, 6c, 6d, 4g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA, GCSWCD Municipalities Funding Source(s): GC Legislature, possibly fee structure for some percentage Comments: Smaller to medium sized developments not associated with one of the larger shovel-ready business parks face the same challenges related to wetlands, habitat, flood plains, etc. To achieve a balanced mix of large and small business, businesses and communities would benefit greatly from access to technical assistance. Some assistance is currently provided by the GCSWCD, but staff capacity is limited.

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Action 6.7 Develop an inventory and analysis of brownfield sites in the County with recommendations for their management, remediation, and disposition. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 6b, 6d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA, GCSWCD, local development corporations at municipal

level Funding Source(s): Existing department and agency resources

Action 6.8 Facilitate brownfield site redevelopment and investigate the need for a non-profit corporation to manage the redevelopment process. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 6b, 6d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA, GCSWCD, local development corporations at municipal

level Funding Source(s): GC Legislature, grants, donations, mitigation fees, other sources Comments: Concern over future liability is the primary reason local governments do not take on brownfield reuse projects. A separate non-profit corporation may be able to insulate local government from liability issues, as well as provide for additional benefits should the County or local municipalities decide to seek a NYS Brownfield Opportunity Area. Added points are given when projects have a private-public-nonprofit partnership in place.

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Action 6.9 Develop an action-based mitigation plan to address future wetland and habitat impacts associated with development, and implement a wetland and habitat protection mitigation bank. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Long-Term 6b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCSWCD GCDPED, GCIDA Funding Source(s): Examine funding potential from Greene County Legislature; NYS Economic Development Funding Sources Comments: Wetlands, habitat and other environmental factors present a significant challenge to the development of future parks. Creative, proactive mitigation measures will be required. Current policy at the Army Corps of Engineers promotes the use of mitigation banks to address wetland mitigation needs.

Action 6.10 Maintain an inventory of vacant commercial and industrial buildings and sites in the County's existing and future business parks. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 6c, 4f, 4g Targeted to business parks Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA GCDPED, municipalities, property owners Funding Source(s): Empire State Development, Governor's Office for Small Cities

Action 6.11 Maintain an inventory of vacant commercial and industrial buildings in downtown and Main Street areas, outside the business parks, and promote opportunities for reuse and redevelopment. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 6c, 4f, 4g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA, municipalities, property owners Funding Source(s): Empire State Development, Governor's Office for Small Cities

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Action 6.12 Identify sites that could be utilized to provide affordable flexible space for small and start-up businesses. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term 6d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA Municipalities, NYS DOS Funding Source(s): Restore NY, NYS DOS, NYSDOT grants, USEDA, New Market Tax Credits Comments: Countywide, sites should be located along major transportation corridors. In the Valley Towns, the County will have to work with water and wastewater infrastructure limitations. On the Mountaintop, NYC Watershed Rules and Regulations impact the type of development and costs of compliance with environmental requirements.

Action 6.13 Continue to improve road, rail and river transportation to better serve Greene County residents, businesses, and visitors. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing 6d Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA Municipalities, Greene County Highway Department, NYSDOT Funding Source(s): State and Federal funds; Will depend on projects identified

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Action 6.14 In partnership with local municipalities, conduct an assessment of short- and long-term infrastructure needs, complete a detailed evaluation of current capacity and condition, and develop a long range plan to address infrastructure upgrade, replacement or expansion needs. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Short-Term/Mid-Term 6d, 4h Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA, GCSWCD, GCDPED Municipalities Funding Source(s): Existing County budget; NYS Environmental Facilities Corp. Comments: Currently available water/wastewater infrastructure is limited in all areas of the County. Significant investment in new or upgraded systems will be required. Space for expansion is a primary issue at most facilities.

CROSS-REFERENCED ACTIONS Work with local municipalities to site small business parks that fit in appropriately with the character of each community, particularly in the mountaintop communities. Goal-Objective(s): 1b, 1c, 1e, 6b, 6c Cross-Referenced With: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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ACTIONS: TELECOMMUNICATIONS Action 7.1 Prepare applications to funding sources that could be used to fill connectivity gaps in underserved areas. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing/Short-Term 7a, 7b, 7c Countywide, but targeted to

specific areas Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED GCIDA; Municipalities, telecom providers (Verizon, State

Telephone Company, Mid-Hudson Cable, SurferzNet/NY Air, American Wi-Fi)

Funding Source(s): USDA Rural Broadband Access Loan Program, USDA Rural Development Community Connect Broadband Grant Program, ESDC Wired Buildings Grant Program, Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), Governor's Office for Small Cities, Public Works & Economic Development Program, Quantum Fund, NTIA Technology Opportunities Program, NYS Universal Broadband Initiative Comments: Some underserved communities do not have the critical mass to make projects financially feasible for telecom providers; use of subsidies and grants should be considered.

Action 7.2 Partner with service providers and prepare applications to funding sources that could be used to extend telecommunications services to existing Greene IDA and future business parks. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Ongoing/Short-Term 7a, 7b, 7c Targeted to business parks Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCIDA Municipalities, telecom providers (Verizon, State Telephone

Company, Mid-Hudson Cable, SurferzNet/NY Air, American Wi-Fi)

Funding Source(s): USDA Rural Broadband Access Loan Program, USDA Rural Development Community Connect Broadband Grant Program, ESDC Wired Buildings Grant Program, Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), Governor's Office for Small Cities, Public Works & Economic Development Program, Quantum Fund, NTIA Technology Opportunities Program, NYS Universal Broadband Initiative

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Action 7.3 Seek funding to study the cell phone coverage gaps in the County and provide service in the identified areas. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 7a, 7c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities, telecom providers (Verizon, State Telephone

Company, Mid-Hudson Cable, SurferzNet/NY Air, American Wi-Fi)

Funding Source(s): USDA Rural Broadband Access Loan Program, USDA Rural Development Community Connect Broadband Grant Program, ESDC Wired Buildings Grant Program, Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), Governor's Office for Small Cities, Public Works & Economic Development Program, Quantum Fund, NTIA Technology Opportunities Program, NYS Universal Broadband Initiative

Action 7.4 Develop a "Greene Telecommunications Team" of County economic development organizations and service providers that assists existing and new business ventures in developing and improving connectivity gaps. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 7a, 7b, 7c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA, GCCC Telecom providers Funding Source(s): None required Comments: Would provide a forum for service providers to facilitate a look at the broader interest of service to the County

Action 7.5 Periodically survey the telecommunication needs of businesses and identify opportunities for those needs. Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 7a, 7b Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED Municipalities, telecom providers (Verizon, State Telephone

Company, Mid-Hudson Cable, SurferzNet/NY Air, American Wi-

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Action 7.5 Fi)


Action 7.6 Establish wireless access in all downtown commercial districts. Install signage at village entry points to signify that wireless access is available (e.g., a "Greene Wired Access Point" sign). Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 7b, 5g Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA Municipalities, telecom providers (Verizon, State Telephone

Company, Mid-Hudson Cable, SurferzNet/NY Air) Funding Source(s): ESDC Comments: Will need to ensure that network technology will allow for longer range wireless as technology and funding permits. Initiative will support a progressive image of the community.

Action 7.7 Coordinate with the NYS Office of Technology to initiate participation in the Statewide Wireless Network (SWN) Timeframe: Goal-Objective(s): Region: Mid-Term 7c Countywide Lead Agency: Potential Public & Private Partners: GCDPED, GCIDA NYS Office for Technology, National LambdaRail, CGCC,

municipalities Funding Source(s): USDA Rural Broadband Access Loan Program, USDA Rural Development Community Connect Broadband Grant Program, ESDC Wired Buildings Grant Program, Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), Governor's Office for Small Cities, Public Works & Economic Development Program, Quantum Fund, NTIA Technology Opportunities Program, NYS Universal Broadband Initiative Comments: Participation in the SWN would reduce start-up costs for telecommunications providers by allowing them to piggyback on publicly funded infrastructure. Participation in National LambdaRail (NLR)

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Action 7.7 would also benefit Greene County; the industrial parks and community college would be able to tap into the national scale of infrastructure, research and experimentation that NLR provides. This would provide a great opportunity for CGCC to have access to the latest technologies and research available across the nation.

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Implementation Schedule/Timeline The schedule below summarizes the time frame – ongoing, short-term, mid-term, and long-term – for each of the recommended actions. The implementation schedule will be further elaborated by the Greene County Department of Planning and Economic Development based on the availability of resources and will be reviewed on an annual basis to assess performance (see Annual Updates).

Implementation Schedule Action Ongoing Short-Term Mid-Term Long-Term

Action 1-1 X Action 1-2 X Action 1-3 X Action 1-4 X Action 1-5 X Action 1-6 X Action 1-7 X Action 1-8 X Action 1-9 X Action 1-10 X Action 1-11 X Action 1-12 X Action 1-13 X Action 1-14 X Action 1-15 X Action 1-16 X Action 1-17 X Action 1-18 X Action 1-19 X Action 1-20 X X Action 1-21 X Action 1-22 X Action 2-1 X Action 2-2 X Action 2-3 X Action 2-4 X Action 2-5 X X Action 2-6 X Action 2-7 X Action 2-8 X Action 2-9 X Action 2-10 X

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Action 2-11 X Action 2-12 X Action 2-13 X Action 2-14 X Action 2-15 X Action 2-16 X Action 2-17 X Action 2-18 X Action 2-19 X Action 2-20 X Action 2-21 X Action 2-22 X Action 2-23 X Action 2-24 X Action 2-25 X Action 2-26 X Action 2-27 X Action 2-28 X Action 2-29 X Action 2-30 X Action 2-31 X Action 2-32 X Action 3-1 X Action 3-2 X Action 3-3 X X Action 3-4 X Action 3-5 X Action 3-6 X Action 3-7 X Action 3-8 X Action 3-9 X X Action 3-10 X Action 3-11 X Action 4-1 X Action 4-2 X Action 4-3 X Action 4-4 X Action 4-5 X Action 4-6 X

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Action 4-7 X Action 4-8 X Action 4-9 X Action 4-10 X Action 4-11 X Action 4-12 X Action 4-13 X Action 4-14 X Action 4-15 X Action 4-16 X Action 4-17 X Action 4-18 X Action 4-19 X Action 4-20 X Action 4-21 X Action 4-22 X Action 5-1 X Action 5-2 X Action 5-3 X Action 5-4 X Action 5-5 X Action 5-6 X Action 5-7 X Action 5-8 X Action 5-9 X X Action 5-10 X Action 5-11 X Action 5-12 X Action 5-13 X Action 5-14 X Action 6-1 X Action 6-2 X Action 6-3 X Action 6-4 X X Action 6-5 X Action 6-6 X Action 6-7 X Action 6-8 X Action 6-9 X

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Action 6-10 X Action 6-11 X Action 6-12 X Action 6-13 X Action 6-14 X X Action 7-1 X X Action 7-2 X X Action 7-3 X Action 7-4 X Action 7-5 X Action 7-6 X Action 7-7 X

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Project Selection Criteria Project selection criteria have been developed to provide guidance in evaluating and prioritizing community-supported projects and programs which should become the focus of Greene County’s economic development efforts and/or should be considered for funding by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in future years. The criteria are as follows: Consistency with Greene County goals and objectives as outlined in the Comprehensive

Economic Development Plan Consistency with local comprehensive plan and land use regulations Creation or retention of full-time equivalent jobs (private sector only) Benefits unemployed and underemployed residents Benefits low and moderate income residents Degree of project “readiness” for implementation (e.g., engineering plans completed, permits

approved, matching funds committed) Degree of community/applicant capacity Appropriateness for funding through state and federal sources Conserves energy and maintains environmental quality

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Annual Updates With approval by the Legislature, Greene County will submit an annual report on the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The report will: document the progress achieved on each of the economic development actions outlined in the

plan, preferably in a table or chart format to simplify updates; provide information on economic development activities undertaken during the course of the

year to address the issues and needs identified in the plan; describe any necessary adjustments to the plan to take advantage of unforeseen

opportunities or address unexpected problems; and evaluate the County’s progress in achieving plan goals and objectives.

The annual progress report will also include a list of priority economic development projects supported by Greene County based on the project selection criteria described previously. Preparation of the report will be the responsibility of the Greene County Department of Planning and Economic Development under the guidance of the County’s Economic Development Committee.1 The Committee also has the central role of overseeing plan implementation and setting priorities. The annual report submissions are intended to meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Commerce so that the County has access to EDA public works funding. To qualify for EDA funding, however, Greene County must meet one or more of the following economic distress criteria on the date that EDA receives an application for investment assistance: (1) an unemployment rate that is, for the most recent 24-month period for which data is available, at least 1% greater than the national average unemployment rate; (2) per capita income that is, for the most recent period for which data is available, 80% or less than the national average per capita income; and/or (3) a Special Need as determined by EDA.2 A new, updated, or revised Comprehensive Economic Development Plan is required at least every five years, or sooner if the EDA or the planning organization determines that the plan is inadequate due to changed circumstances. Any part of the plan document, however, may be changed upon resolution of the Economic Development Committee and concurrence of the EDA.

1 According to EDA requirements, this committee should include representation from the “main economic interests” in Greene County: public officials, business leaders, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, educational institutions, education and training providers, agriculture, community organizations, labor, etc. 2 For economic distress based upon a Special Need, EDA will conduct an independent analysis of the facts and circumstances in a given case. “Special needs” typically involve sudden and severe economic dislocations, such as those resulting from natural disasters, conversions of military installations, changing trade patterns and the depletion of natural resources.

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Evaluation Process According to the CEDS Manual, evaluation should be an element of the ongoing economic development planning process, answering the questions “How are we doing?” and “What can we do better?” Associated with each of the seven goals are performance measures that may be used to evaluate Greene County’s success in achieving its economic development goals. The proposed performance measures include the following: Goal 1 - Business Development and Target Industry Attraction Expand the quantity and quality of employment opportunities through the development of a balanced, diverse, and year-round economy. Net increase in the number of businesses and jobs (year-round) annually from the 2007

baseline. Annual increase in new businesses created from the 2007 baseline. Increase in total employment in identified target industries. Annual increase in rate of business retention. Increase in number of businesses provided with financial and technical assistance. Business investment in new or expanded facilities, equipment, and machinery. Additional qualitative performance measures to be determined.

Goal 2 – Tourism Generate long-term revenue growth in the tourism industry as a strategy for economic development. Annual increase in the number of visitors. Annual increase in number of tourism dollars spent per visit. Increase in number of meetings, conferences, and conventions held in Greene County from

2007 baseline. Number of lodging facilities with web sites. Increase in restaurant and lodging sales. Increase in occupancy rates. Decline in seasonal unemployment. Additional qualitative performance measures to be determined.

Goal 3 – Workforce Development Develop a skilled and educated workforce that will meet the needs of existing businesses and emerging industries in Greene County. Increase in the percentage of residents aged 25 and over with 4 years of college or higher.

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Increase in the percentage of workers earning more than 80% of the median household income.

Decline in unemployment rate. Number of Greene County residents participating in training programs. Annual increase in number of higher-paying jobs (greater than 120% of median wage). Annual increase in the number of workforce-training programs from 2007 baseline. Annual increase in retention rate of recent graduates.

Goal 4 – Land Use and Regional Planning Preserve and enhance the physical and environmental characteristics that make Greene County a distinct and identifiable place, while providing for the needs of existing and prospective residents. Percentage of municipalities with adopted comprehensive plans and land use regulations

updated within the last five years. Number of workshops, seminars, and conferences held to educate municipal leaders and

planning and zoning officials about various topics related to land use and planning. Additional qualitative performance measures to be determined.

Goal 5 – Quality of Life Improve the quality of life in Greene County by upgrading and expanding community services, facilities, and amenities. Decrease in retail vacancy rates on County Main streets. Additional qualitative performance measures to be determined.

Goal 6 – Infrastructure and Facilities Development Develop a steady supply of business and industrial land, sites and buildings that support the needs of existing and emerging businesses in Greene County. Completion of shovel-ready sites for economic development. New public sector investment in industrial sites/parks (for infrastructure and buildings). New private sector investment in industrial sites/parks (for business). Square footage of office and industrial space in industrial parks. Square footage of office and industrial space outside industrial parks.

Goal 7 – Telecommunications Support the creation of reliable, high-quality telecommunications infrastructure that meets the needs of existing and emerging industries in Greene County, ensures connectivity, and allows all communities throughout the County to participate in economic development. Increased access to broadband telecommunication services across the County. Number of businesses using high-speed Internet access.

greene county comprehensive economic development plan

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